Professor Chris Rumford

Professor Chris Rumford, 1958-2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Professor Chris Rumford who passed away suddenly last Friday.

Chris played a central role in rejuvenating the Global Studies Association, becoming its Chair in 2011. He ensured that the GSA stayed active throughout his time as Chair promoting new initiatives and avenues for collaboration including the coordination of many successful conferences and smaller events.

Chris similarly played a vital role in the development of the Department of Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway (University of London) upon its founding in 2004, establishing the Centre for Global and Transnational Politics alongside Professor Sandra Halperin.

He was blessed with remarkable intellectual energy and a curiosity that made for fun and original conversations but also affirmed his distinct contribution. In his work he advanced our understanding through the study of borders, cosmopolitanism, Europeanisation and hospitality thereby progressing Global Studies as a viable field for research.

He also had a great commitment and dedication to his students that stretched beyond the formal bounds of academic work. Chris was first and foremost a good man and his generosity of spirit towards other academics has made him an important figure in the academic and personal lives of many.

Our love and thoughts are with his wife and daughter.

Alongside the department of Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway, the GSA will be considering ways to commemorate Chris’ life and work, as well as his contribution to the GSA.